A glimpse into model-of-the-moment Mili Piñeiro’s fine jewelry and watch wardrobe
The Argentinian model talks to CHARLIE BOYD about the importance of buying luxury that lasts, sentiment steeped treasures, and a versatile timepiece for a jet-set life
Are you a minimalist or a maximalist when it comes to styling fine jewelry and watches?
“I would say I’m a little of both. My everyday look is more maximalist – I always wear five rings (stacked on three fingers), my watch and a necklace. If I’m going out in the evening or want to highlight just one piece, I lean towards minimalism and keep the focus on a pair of simple earrings, with just one statement ring.”
Do you have key pieces that you are never seen without?
“Yes, I feel something is missing when I’m not wearing any jewelry or my watch! My key pieces are gifts from people I love, and they are so special to me – I feel like it’s my way of keeping my loved ones close wherever I go. My gold rings once belonged to each of my grandmothers and my mom – the most important women in my life, who shaped who I am today. My favorite piece is my watch – it has a changeable strap so I can switch it easily to match my outfit or mood, but I tend to wear shades of taupe, brown and burgundy because they best match my wardrobe. I was also recently gifted a necklace from my boyfriend’s grandma which has a Virgin of Miracles pendant; my full name is Milagros, which translates into English as ‘miracles’.”
“I have always thought that what’s most important about jewelry or a watch, just like an outfit, is the way it makes you feel – I think when you feel good about yourself, you then radiate that confidence and joy to those around you
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As a model, with all of the travel, long hours and your personal style under such scrutiny, does your career and lifestyle influence the pieces you wear?
“I wear good-quality pieces every day, so that it feels natural and easy to wear them wherever I go. I prefer to buy fewer things, but which are beautifully made, because cheap pieces ultimately come at a higher cost when you consider their poor durability. When I am traveling, jewelry or a beautiful watch is an easy way to elevate a simple outfit. A watch is also more reliable than an iPhone with a dying battery, especially when you have to rush to make a flight! I’ve been asked before if I’m afraid of losing or leaving my precious pieces behind on set, but they mean so much to me that I could never forget them.”
Fine jewelry and timepieces are often passed down the generations – have you inherited any important pieces?
“I was given a watch by one of the most important people in my life – it was bought new, but I would love to keep passing it on to future generations of my family. One day my granddaughter could wear it in the same way that I carry my grandma’s ring with me wherever I go. I think any piece that has timeless beauty, elevated craftsmanship and peerless quality will always translate through the generations.”
You are a keen painter – do you enjoy other creative pursuits?
“I love almost anything that involves using my hands. It was my mom who introduced me into that world, when I was a child – she is a psychologist and collaborates with an artist to offer art therapy. She has always encouraged me to do something artistic, as a way to connect with my inner self and to relax a little bit from all the many distractions of everyday life. I’ve done a lot – from painting to cooking; knitting to embroidery, and playing the piano. I feel there are great similarities in the creative process of making such beautiful things and crafting fine timepieces or jewels – all these things require a lot of work, dedication and precision in order to truly master them.”
Do you think there are parallels between haute couture and haute horlogerie?
“I’ve had the pleasure of wearing some really special handcrafted garments and have been lucky enough to see some collections being tailored in person. It’s made me appreciate the amount of work and craftsmanship that goes into creating a look – much like a timepiece. I’m always impressed to see how many people are part of the process, and the countless hours of hard work that they put in to achieve the finished product. When you know what has gone into making a piece, you feel privileged and grateful to be able to wear it. I have always thought that what’s most important about jewelry or a watch, just like an outfit, is the way it makes you feel – I think when you feel good about yourself, you then radiate that confidence and joy to those around you.”
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